MTD Y780 - Manual (Page 2)

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and
proper use of the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influence of alco-
hol, drugs or medication.
• Children under the age of 15 must not use the unit; teens may oper-
ate the unit with adult guidance.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel
leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace cut-
ting attachment parts that are cracked, chipped or damaged in any
way. Make sure the cutting attachment is properly installed and
securely fastened. Be sure that the cutting attachment shield is prop-
erly attached, and positioned as recommended. Failure to do so can
result in personal injury to the operator and bystanders, as well as
damage to the unit.
• Use only 0.095-inch (2.41 mm) diameter original equipment manu-
facturer replacement line. Never use metal-reinforced line, wire,
chain or rope. These can break off and become dangerous projec-
tiles.
• Be aware of risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns automatically to
the idle position. Make all adjustments or repairs before using the unit.
• Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove rocks, broken
glass, nails, wire, string and other objects which may be thrown or
become entangled in the cutting attachment. Clear the area of chil-
dren, bystanders and pets; keep them outside a 50-foot (15 m.)
radius, at a minimum. Even then, they are still at risk from thrown
objects. Encourage bystanders to wear eye protection. If you are
approached, stop the unit immediately.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
• Add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no
sparks or flames. Remove the fuel cap slowly, and only after the
engine stops. Do not smoke while fueling or mixing fuel. Wipe up any
spilled fuel from the unit immediately.
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved for
the storage of such materials.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank.
Never remove the fuel tank cap or add fuel when the engine is hot.
Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place. Loosen
the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in the tank.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the
engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
• Move the unit at least 30 feet (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site
before starting the engine. Do not smoke. Keep sparks and open
flames away from the area while adding fuel or operating the unit.
WHILE OPERATING
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing
exhaust fumes can be fatal. Operate this unit only in a well-ventilated
outdoor area.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards and
are marked as such. Wear ear/hearing protection when operating
this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do not
wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot.
Secure hair above shoulder level.
• The cutting attachment shield must always be in place while operating
the unit as a trimmer. Do not operate unit without both trimming lines
extended, and the proper line installed. Do not extend the trimming line
beyond the length of the shield.
• This unit has a clutch. The cutting attachment remains stationary
when the engine is idling. If it does not, have the unit adjusted by an
authorized service technician.
• Adjust the bull-horn handlebar to your size in order to provide the
best grip.
• Be sure the cutting attachment is not in contact with anything before
starting the unit.
2
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever pulling
the starter rope. Both the operator and unit must be in a stable posi-
tion while starting. Refer to the Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm
grip on both handles or grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts. Do
not touch or try to stop the cutting attachment when it rotates.
• Do not touch the engine, gear housing or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is turned off.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to cut, trim
or edge. Do not run the engine at high speed when not cutting.
• Always stop the engine when cutting is delayed or when walking
from one cutting location to another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the
engine immediately and check for damage. Do not operate before
repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged
parts.
• Stop the unit, switch the engine to off, and disconnect the spark plug
for maintenance or repair.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts and
accessories for this unit. These are available from your authorized
service dealer. Use of any non-original factory parts or accessories
could lead to serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and
void your warranty.
• Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials. They may become
lodged between the cutting attachment and shield.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark arrestor.
Keep the engine and muffler free from grass, leaves, excessive
grease or carbon build up.
WHILE OPERATING WITH CUTTING BLADE
• Read and understand all safety warnings before operating this unit.
• Always use the shoulder harness when using the brush blade acces-
sory.
• Keep the bull-horn handlebar between the operator and cutting
attachment or blade at all times.
• NEVER cut when the cutting blade is 30 inches (76 cm) or more
above the ground level.
• Blade thrust may occur when the spinning blade contacts an object
that it does not immediately cut. Blade thrust can be violent enough
to propel the unit and/or operator in any direction, possibly causing a
loss of control. Blade thrust can occur without warning if the blade
snags, stalls or binds. This is more likely to occur in areas where it is
difficult to see the material being cut.
• For operation with the brush blade, do not cut anything thicker than
1/2 inch or a violent kickback could occur.
• Do not attempt to touch or stop the blade when it is rotating.
• A coasting blade can cause injury while it continues to spin after the
engine is stopped or the throttle trigger is released. Maintain proper
control until the blade has completely stopped rotating.
• Do not run the unit at high speed when not cutting.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the engine
immediately and check for damage. Have any damage repaired before
attempting further operations. Do not operate unit with a bent, cracked
or dull blade. Discard blades that are bent, warped, cracked or broken.
• Do not sharpen the cutting blade. Sharpening the blade can cause
the blade tip to break off while in use. This can result in severe per-
sonal injury. Replace the blade.
• Do not use the cutting blade for edging or as an edger; severe personal
injury to yourself or others may incur. Use the cutting blade only for the
purpose as described in this manual.
• Stop the engine IMMEDIATELY if you feel excessive vibration.
Vibration is a sign of trouble. Inspect thoroughly for loose nuts, bolts
or damage before continuing. Repair or replace affected parts as
necessary.
AFTER USE
• Clean cutting blades with a household cleaner to remove any gum
buildup. Oil the blade with machine oil to prevent rust.
• Lock up and store the cutting blade in an appropriate area to protect
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable, and its
vapors can explode if ignited. Take the following
precautions: